THE FUTURE is bright for Workington AFC who are looking ahead to a clash with Carlisle United, a season un-hampered by Coronavirus and a new First Team manager.

Workington Reds chairman David Bowden has provided an update on the search for the club’s manager after Danny Grainger’s departure: “A major part of our pre-season preparation is recruiting a First Team manager, that’s taken up a lot of time.”

Interviews with each potential Reds boss are underway.

Bowden said: “We commenced those this week, we interviewed two people yesterday (Tuesday) and we’ve got two or three more to do before the start of next week.

Strong candidates have thrown their name into the hat.

“The candidates we’ve interviewed, every single one of them could do a job. It is genuinely going to be a very difficult decision.”

Workington are benefitting from football fever following the Euro 2020 which saw the England squad charge to the final, giving fans across the country hope after Covid-19

Bowden said: “People have been without sport for a long time. I keep reminding people it is our centenary year, a big year for us.”

He urged fans to get behind their regional clubs after the punishing Covid-19 pandemic.

“Clubs are nothing without fans, let’s get back and watch local football. One of our visions is that we play attractive football.”

Reds are currently in pre-season and after a 5-1 defeat to League One side Morecambe FC, they are set to face Carlisle United in another friendly.

Bowden said: “Our first game was on Tuesday night, we’ve got a game against Carlisle on Saturday. It was just fabulous to see the fans back at the ticket office again, coming into the ground, we’ve missed it.

“We had to go in with quite a few of our players having to isolate so we’re a bit undercooked in terms of performance but it was a great game.

“It’s just great to see people back in the ground, the pitch looks immaculate.”

Although it was not to be for Workington in their second pre-season clash, it was a good run out for the likes of new signing Iyrwah Gooden and Scott Allison, who scored a penalty in the second half.

Workington take on Carlisle in pre-season on Saturday with a 3pm kick-off.

Bowden added that plenty of Blues fans have already bought tickets to see them play the Reds at Borough Park.

“Ticket sales are going well for Carlisle so I’m expecting to see a few there on Saturday.”

Workington then take on fellow Northern Premier League side Lancaster City on July 31 at home.

“We’re looking forward to restrictions being eased we do adhere to Covid regulations so access to the bar and food facilities is limited.”